Now the city’s best artisinal producers and food producers can apply for state government funding to invest in the skills and training, equipment and small-scale projects they need to grow their businesses.

Eligible producers can apply for up to $5000 in the first round of Artisinal Sector grants until January 31. 

Expressions of interest for the second round of the Artisanal Sector program, which will fund larger projects, are now being accepted, with applications to open later in 2019.

Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes said the program supported the ‘wonderful products’ and ideas for growth of Victoria’s food producers and artisinal businesses.

“Victoria is Australia’s premier food destination – and we’re proud to be strengthening our state’s artisanal food offerings and helping fantastic businesses take local products to the world,” she said. 

The state government support for small-scale artisans and producers comes after Visit Ballarat’s focus on promoting the city’s creatives in its new Made of Ballarat  tourism campaign. 

READ MORE: Made of Ballarat campaign tells a new Ballarat story

“Artisans create earthly treasures” is the theme of the campaign which is focused on attracting Melbourne’s ‘lifestyle leaders’ to Ballarat through the promotion of experiences with the city’s creators. 

Visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/artisanag for more information.